My 3-year-old daughter has been going here for about 2 weeks now. Excellent curriculum (with excellent Sensei), even for the little ones. My little one is always ready and super excited for class, so they're definitely doing something right. Highly recommend. Edit: just over 2 years now and the growth is apparent. We're very pleased in our decision to enroll her here. She gets a structured class that promotes and instills lots of good character traits (most notably discipline), where she can make friends and develop her confidence. She has participated in tournaments and won medals. If you're thinking of enrolling your child, do it. They have trial classes, if you're still on the fence. Still very highly recommended.

I must commend Sensei Oswaldo and Sensei Jean Carlos of Fonseca Martial Arts in Evanston. I find them to be extremely patient and amiable with their students. Karate can teach so much to a youngster: focus, self-control, self-confidence, fitness, self-defense, etc. However, non of that is possible without the right teacher(s). And these two aforementioned teachers are it. I find them very knowledgeable about karate as they have been involved with the martial art since they were 7 years of age and have received countless accolades between them. However, I appreciate most that they make the dojo a friendly, fun and safe place for my son to learn this wonderful martial art.

As a parent, I appreciate the smooth incorporation of a new student into the class. The instruction was appropriately balanced with training and fun. The mix of ages and belt levels made it less intimidating. The atmosphere is one which promotes health- mind, body and spirit.

My son has been practicing karate for a little over 2 years and couldn’t wait till my younger daughter was old enough to enroll. Sensei Oswaldo is great with kids, keeps the class fun and kids engaged.

Our family can’t say enough wonderful things about the Evanston Dojo! My son LOVES coming to karate and has so much fun. He has gained self confidence, a hard work ethic, technique, great friends and Senseis that truly care. He especially loves summer camp where he gets to practice his karate at the beach with friends! We couldn’t be happier here. Highly recommend!

My daughter is a reluctant student but has been attending at the Evanston Dojo for almost a year now and I have seen her grow in her skill every time she has a class. The Sensei and staff are respectful, patient, and encouraging. The learning environment is fast pace and fun as well!

My daughter is encouraged, guided personally and highly professionally, expertly trained, treated always as a growing individual while learning as part of a hard-working team that is also a loving family home away from home. As a family, we could not ask for more passionately dedicated, hardworking and impressive people than the Fonseca coaches/managers who welcome every age and type of learner to come in their doors! Go, Team Fonseca!!

We are so happy we stumbled upon Fonseca Martial Arts in Evanston. Kids learn karate, while building character and community. Sensei Oswaldo has the perfect balance of making the classes fun and disciplined. The membership model makes it easy to fit the classes to our evolving schedule. Highly recommend!

My son started at Fonseca a couple years ago being shy and scared but sensei Osvaldo helped him to get confidence and now he’s more strong and confident. We love his classes

We started to take our kid to Fonseca at the suggestion of a friend to work on balance, focus and a way to get that aggression out. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful this experience has been for our entire family. Not only has he gained confidence, improved on balance and focus, but he is bringing those aspects home with him! The Sensei is beyond kind, and has a way to get the kids engaged while having fun at the same time. Parents even get to play on the weekends and I am seriously considering taking the adult classes for my own focus and agility. We are forever FONSECA! 10/10 would recommend!

I cannot say enough positive things about this dojo. Fonseca does a phenomenal job of creating a supportive environment that builds self-confidence. The instruction is so strong and caters to a diversity of needs. All children are treated with kindness and respect. The change I have seen in my child since he started karate at Fonseca is incredible. I appreciate that the dojo does not pressure the children, but instead encourages them to do their best and to be the best that they can be each day. What I love the most about Fonseca is the warm and welcoming community. We are big fans!

Joining Fonseca - Evanston has been one of our best parenting decisions to date. It is the highlight of my son’s week. When he is at Fonseca, not only is he having fun and burning off excess energy, he’s also practicing self control, body awareness, gross motor skills - especially bilateral coordination. I was pleasantly surprised how many parallels there are between Fonseca’s karate program and my son’s OT sessions. We also love summer camp (karate on the beach!) and the amazing dojo duels where the kids and get a taste of competing. And while we have had a wonderful experience with all of the instructors at Evanston (special shout out to Sensei Jessie), much of this positive review is thanks to Sensei Oswaldo Lopez. He is strict and ensures that everyone is following the rules and behaving in a safe manner, but he is also incredibly warm and silly with the kids. I believe the very first class we attended, about 4 or 5 children showed up with pictures/drawings/artwork that they made specifically for him. He is adored by both students and their caregivers and has built an incredible community at the Evanston Dojo. We LOVE Fonseca Evanston! It is by far the best investment we have made for our son’s development, confidence and overall happiness.

Our daughter has been practicing karate for six years and spends significant time in the Evanston dojo. We have seen her grow exponentially over that time in both skill level and confidence. Sensei Oswaldo and the entire team are absolutely dedicated to their students and make the training fun yet productive! We could not be more appreciative of Team Fonseca for their dedication, commitment, patience, and guidance in developing our daughter! Excellent experience six years running!

Fonseca has the BEST instructors. They are firm but so warm. My son loves it there. The Wilmette location is perfect

My 7-year-old son has taken karate classes with Fonseca Martial Arts for over a year, and he loves it. Sensei Jaime is great with the kids, and the classes are a good workout and teach the fundamentals of karate. I highly recommend Fonseca.

My son began classes as a karate tot and three years later the dojo is like our second home. I started training too because why not? I highly recommend hosting your birthday party here too, you don't have to be a member to do it . The looks of the kids faces when they broke boards was priceless!

I would recommend Fonseca Martial Arts to anyone looking to enroll their children in a great program. My son, who had some bad experiences in the past at other places that I would not mention for ethical reasons, was feeling comfortable and confident from day one when he took the trial class with Jaime, and after that, every class have been a wonderful experience for him. Thanks to everyone at the Evanston Dojo for your great work! Sandra

Fonseca Martian Arts is about practicing mindfulness, discipline and spirituality in a fun atmosphere where professionalism is key. All of the instructors really know their skill and are patient and rigorous at the same time. Even if you have never done karate before (like my daughter), you won't feel out of place. They also do Friday movie nights when you drop off your child and they eat pizza and watch a movie. We highly recommend this school.

For our daughters, Fonseca Evanston Dojo has been a place where they have been able to improve self-esteem and security. They learned something new everyday, they have fun and they've made new friends. Sensei Oswaldo has made each class interesting for them because he shows interest in them. Sensei Oswaldo brings out the best qualities in the students. As parents we are proud to see the interest that our children have taken and wanting to improve at their young age. For our daughters, Fonseca Evanston Dojo has been a place where they have been able to develop their self-esteem. They have fun, have made new friends and have taken a lot of interest in Karate. Sensei Oswaldo has made each class interesting for them by showing them his interest and bringing out their best qualities. As parents we are very proud to see our daughters' interest in becoming better at Karate at their young age.